Some of the Specs are Still Fuzzy

[Longtimer]

We've had a lot of discussion over the past couple years about some of target specs we thought the C7 would attain.

Weight was one of the most important. Some thought that 3000 lbs was attainable. Given that GM had told us in the past that the Al HF frame rails were 130-150 lbs lighter (different people there at different times) plus the expected use of more Carbon fiber, my last guess was 3050 to 3075 lbs.

Yesterday I heard two numbers once citing a 99Lb weight reduction the other a 99Lb weight reduction. The Chevy website says the base C6 weight is 3208 which means the C7 weight should be 3109-3110. Not as good as we hoped, but certainly a positive improvement.

We were also wrong about GM aquiring an 8 spd Auto from Asan. Look for a new GM designed 8 spd Auto within the next two years.

AutoWeek published this (Clearly weight is too high - probably price is too low):
2014 Corvette
Overall length........177 inches
Wheelbase............106.7 inches
Width...................73.9 inches
Height..................48.6 inches
Engine..................6.2-liter V8
Horsepower...........450@5,900 rpm (est.)
Torque.................450@4,400 rpm(est.)
Curb weight..........3,200 (est.)
Base price............$52,000 (est.)

Motor Trend has published this online (Price probably too high, weight definately too high)
Base price.......................$59,000 (est)
Vehicle layout..................Front-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door hatchback
Engine............................6.2L/450-hp (est)/450-lb-ft (est) OHV 16-valve V-8
Transmissions...................7-speed manual; 6-speed automatic
Curb weight.....................3300 lb (MT est)
Wheelbase.......................106.7 in
Length x width x height......177.0 x 73.9 x 48.6 in
0-60 mph .........................3.9 sec (MT est)
EPA city/hwy fuel econ.......18/29 mpg (MT est)
Energy cons, city/hwy........187/116 kw-hrs/100 mi (est)
CO2 emissions...................0.89 lb/mi (est)
On sale in U.S...................Fall 2013

[blckslvr79]

A lot of info out there today, but I believe I read a net increase over the C6 of a hundred or so pounds?

Bling is heavy.

[Longtimer]

I can't watch the vid from work, but last night I'm sure they cited a weight reduction of 98 99 lbs. Can anyone watch the debut vid and confirm.


True, the improved interior with A/C seats et al put some weight back on, but remember they took off around 130 using the Al rails and took another 20 or so off that we know of using CF on the hood, top and other places they haven't told us about.

A rather interesting reveal. Who was it that said, "Leave 'em wanting more" ? Not many hard stats were provided.

There will, no doubt, be another "stat unveiling" later that will garner more publicity. Maybe a smart way to do it, but a tad frustrating.

[Chris Draper]

-99 lbs from the chassis
-35 lbs from CF body panels

[Longtimer]

Originally Posted by Chris Draper

-99 lbs from the chassis
-35 lbs from CF body panels

Guess I missed the 35 Lb comment. Are you saying that GM said its 134 Lb lighter? ...or did they only cite savings, and avoid net weight comments?

If it net, nets to 3208 minus 99 minus 35, that would be 3074. 1 Lb off my guess.

[Chris Draper]

They only sited savings. They admit that the engine package weights slightly more (due to the additional components) but no numbers, and obviously no official curb weight yet.

[Longtimer]

Originally Posted by Chris Draper

They only sited savings. They admit that the engine package weights slightly more (due to the additional components) but no numbers, and obviously no official curb weight yet.

That makes sense to me. There could still be some small production line changes that could have an impact of a pound or two and they know we are nuts about numbers.

Still, regardless of what the car rags are saying, I now think there will be a net reduction in weight a bit less than 100 Lbs. More stuff was added to the base, ...er... the Stingray than expected.

[spd98]

Seats are much more high tech and with the mag frames could actually be the same or lighter.

One place your going to see weight savings is the narrower tires (wheels too?).

I think this car will put out road course numbers closer to the earlier z's though.

[Longtimer]

I've heard there is no change to wheel or tire size.

The longer wheelbase (weight distribution) will help road course numbers.

I noticed they emphasized the CF Hood and CF top "...to take weight off the front and the top to lower center of gravity."
FWIW

[sixpeedreams]

IMO extra engine weight (DOD, VVT, DI) will offset most of the savings from the AL frame and CF panels. Expect a <50 lb overall weight savings. But it has to be a little lighter or I'd call it a major miss.

[spd98]

Originally Posted by Longtimer

I've heard there is no change to wheel or tire size.

The longer wheelbase (weight distribution) will help road course numbers.

I noticed they emphasized the CF Hood and CF top "...to take weight off the front and the top to lower center of gravity."
FWIW

Tires are the same diameter but they are not as wide. No official numbers but I have seen this quote several times.

narrower 18-inch front/19-inch rear wheels (19 and 20 inches, respectively, and forged on Z51 cars) that improve the turning radius without sacrificing grip. In one of many crossovers from racing development, the same Michelin engineer who designs tires for the Corvette Racing Team now also designs the standard Pilot Super Sport Run-Flats that are unique to the C7.

for what it's worth MT is quoting the car is about the weight of a c6Z. That would surprise me a bit, though I suspect a C7 Z51 would be a good road course match for a C6 Z06. I would think GM targeted it that way.

[Blast]

Yes, I remember both the -99lbs and -35lbs shaving but I remember reading 3350lbs weight ... somewhere .. I believe in the launching feed...

Anyone care to back me up? I'll try finding that.

Never mind, it was (I believe now) from the Car & Driver preview vid.

The Vid

That one.

// Stefan

[The Bad]

Originally Posted by spd98

Tires are the same diameter but they are not as wide. No official numbers but I have seen this quote several times.

According to the 2014 Corvette Sales Guide, same sizes as current tires.

[spd98]

Originally Posted by The Bad

According to the 2014 Corvette Sales Guide, same sizes as current tires.

I think they are comparing them to the current Z06 not the C6 base model. The point is that this car will be closer to the Z06 in specs and performance. GM has stated it will have the fastest 0-60 time and most cornering grip of any Corvette ever.

[Blast]

Originally Posted by spd98

I think they are comparing them to the current Z06 not the C6 base model. The point is that this car will be closer to the Z06 in specs and performance. GM has stated it will have the fastest 0-60 time and most cornering grip of any Corvette ever.

I can see the C7 Stingray having a faster 0-60 than the C6 base.
I can see it cornering better.

I can maybe see it approaching the C6 Z06 in 0-60 and perhaps cornering.

I cannot see it having a faster 0-60 than the C6 ZR1.

// Stefan